Frank S Brand new inbox But issues.

[Rob1962]

This new in-box Aster/LGB Loco still in original wrapping has Frozen Drive Gears and Below Johnston Bar Rod to direction valve also frozen.
I oiled her well and will check her in 24 hours.And if not freed up, I will just gently steam her up.Any tips or other ideas would help.
Thank you.
Full Steam Ahead..

 

[dunnyrail]

Buying a second hand loco can always be a bit of a tricky process. With everything frozen as you say it appears that the cylinders will be totally locked inside the piston bore, likely by old and gummed up oil. Tricky job to release but an expert would be able to sort it, do you have a live steam group near you (16mm society or gauge 1 society) may be able to help.

The frozen forward/reverse may be a similar issue.

In all cases taking it apart is likely the only solution, careful cleaning of all moving parts and re-oiling with the correct oil for the correct parts should help. Steam oil where steam goes, 20/50 oil for moving parts.

BUT you would need to feel confident to pul it apart, if you have no Live Steam experience I would not recomend you try, also do not expect things to ‘free’ up if you try to steam it, a loco of that age should really have a boiler and gas check.

 

[maxi-model]

As Jon says. Please read following result from AI search asking the question "recommissioning a new LGB Frank S", and any other live steam loco that has sat around for 35 years doing nothing, new or otherwise. I notice AI gives this forum a name check. Frank S Google Search Go see an expert.

 

[Paul M]

Totally agree with both posts! It doesn't look as if it's ever been steamed though. Get the boiler checked out as a priorty as Jon says, even sitting unused for years can cause problems. Gently lubricate the moving parts before even thing about steaming. A boiler boiling and not going anywhere when the regulator is opened isn't doing anything any good!

 

[Rob1962]

Well, I gave it another shot. I did manage to get the Wheels to move. Everything seems to be moving by hand with a little force. I got a couple of rotations so that’s a good thing. I sucked up any oil that was in the lubricator from when knew it was actually a green thicker than honey type consistency so it’s a good start that looks like the main issue with now gonna be the reversing and forward piston I can’t get to budge.

 

[maxi-model]

Well, I gave it another shot. I did manage to get the Wheels to move. Everything seems to be moving by hand with a little force. I got a couple of rotations so that’s a good thing. I sucked up any oil that was in the lubricator from when knew it was actually a green thicker than honey type consistency so it’s a good start that looks like the main issue with now gonna be the reversing and forward piston I can’t get to budge.

Rob please read previous comments, before you do the loco, or worse, yourself some serious damage.

 

[Rob1962]

Thank you for your concern.I will heed the warning from above and report back and not fire her up. It was a difficult decision once I freed up the drive. I will update any future findings with the boiler.


Thank you truly, my friend.





Full Steam Ahead.

 

[Paul M]

Well, I gave it another shot. I did manage to get the Wheels to move. Everything seems to be moving by hand with a little force. I got a couple of rotations so that’s a good thing. I sucked up any oil that was in the lubricator from when knew it was actually a green thicker than honey type consistency so it’s a good start that looks like the main issue with now gonna be the reversing and forward piston I can’t get to budge.

Plenty of lubrication on the piston is probably the way forward. Have you a picture of the actual piston set up?

 

[Rob1962]

Hi Paul,No I do not,What I did do tonight as an Expert suggested is with a mini Lighter for 30 seconds or so was to heat the reverser piston valve assembly and she freed up so every night a step closer,
Thanks for your assistance Paul.

Full Steam Ahead..

 

[Paul M]

Good trick, obviously worth remembering as my Accucraft Lynn has the same recurring problem, mainly due to lack of reversing! Plenty of lube sorts it out.

 

[Rob1962]

And Heat.